A review by indigoriverboat
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No
This book is lighthearted, whimsical and joyful, but it has some pressing societal and moral questions that it addresses too. The characters are charming and lovely. The children bring so much joy and innocence to the story. It’s a romp getting to read about their lives and the tone of the books is both fantastical and hilarious. 

If you know much about the real life counterparts to the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, there are some very real horrors that a skirting around this story, which are referred to briefly in the book. As an adult reader with that knowledge the stakes can feel quite high, even knowing that the book ends happily. 

I truly enjoyed this read. It would make a great book club discussion. 
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